Cyprus

UN Buffer Zone

The Government of the Republic of Cyprus is the only internationally recognised authority in Cyprus. However, in practice, it only controls the southern part of the island.

The self-proclaimed 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' ('TRNC') controls the northern part of Cyprus. Turkey is the only country that recognises the TRNC. There's also a Turkish military presence in the north.

A United Nations peacekeeping force (UNFICYP) controls a buffer zone between northern and southern Cyprus.

Be aware of the political sensitivity of the division of the island. Monitor local news for updates.

Violent incidents

There have been some violent incidents along the UN Buffer Zone (also known as 'The Green Line'). Rowdy, politically motivated behaviour has occurred among fans at local sporting matches.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. This is particularly the case around the UN Buffer Zone.

To stay safe:

• take care if speaking about the division of Cyprus in public

• avoid protests and demonstrations

• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest

• avoid affected areas

• don't take photos in military areas (see Local laws)

• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and petty theft happen, particularly in urban and tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of petty crime:

• look after your belongings, particularly in crowded areas

• hold bags and backpacks in front of you

Violent crime

Serious violence, including physical assault, occurs. Media reports have linked the violence to organised crime. Be aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking is a risk, especially in tourist areas. It puts you at higher risk of theft and sexual assault. Take reasonable steps to protect yourself. 

To reduce your risk of drink spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers

• don't leave food or drinks unattended

More information:

• Partying safely

Theft around ATMs

Be careful when you use ATMs. If possible:

• use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres

• avoid ATMs that open onto the street, especially at night

Scams

To protect yourself from scams: 

• check prices before ordering food and drinks, especially at bars and cabarets

• check that the taxi-meter is on when travelling in a taxi

• be aware of counterfeit products

• check the Cyprus police website for the latest on common scams

More information:

• Scams

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Cyprus, they can still happen.

Terrorism occurs in Europe. Terrorist attacks have taken place in a number of European cities.

Targets have included public transport and transport hubs, and public places frequented by foreigners.

European security services have disrupted a number of planned attacks in recent years.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

• be careful around places terrorists tend to target

• monitor local media for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

Report suspicious activity or items to police.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case there are secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Strong seas and rips at some beaches pose a risk to swimmers. To stay safe:

• follow warning signs on beaches

• only swim at approved beaches

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes for:

• adventure activities

• water sports and diving

• renting vehicles, such as quad bikes or dune buggies

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it

• use licensed and insured operators

• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements

• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Some operators may ask for your passport as a deposit or guarantee for equipment hire. Passports are valuable documents. Never give your passport as a deposit or guarantee.

Cyprus experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes

• violent storms

• forest fires

To protect yourself if there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location

• keep in touch with friends and family

• monitor the media, other local sources and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

Earthquakes

Cyprus experiences earthquakes. While large earthquakes are rare, minor earth tremors can happen.

Violent storms

Cyprus can experience violent storms and high winds in coastal regions.

Winter snowstorms occur in the Troodos Mountains. These storms can block roads or create poor driving conditions.

Forest fires

Cyprus has forest and grass fires during the long dry season from May until October. Fires are most common in the heavily forested and mountainous regions.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

• that it covers travel to both northern and southern parts of Cyprus

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Cyprus. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is

• how much you'll take

• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Rodents, bats and other vermin can carry diseases that humans can catch. Take care to avoid contact with such animals in the countryside or at archaeological sites.

Outbreaks of water-borne, food-borne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases are common in the eastern Mediterranean region and can occur from time to time in Cyprus.

There have been reports of West Nile Virus cases in both south and north Cyprus. There's no vaccine to prevent it.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Follow local media and authorities for up to date information on health risks.

Medical facilities

Public and private facilities in the Republic of Cyprus's main cities are adequate but can be costly.

Medical services in northern Cyprus are more basic than in the south.

Cyprus has public and private decompression chambers. Check the Cyprus Dive Center Association for details.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Cypriot authorities don't always tell the Australian High Commission they have arrested an Australian citizen. This is especially the case if you're a dual national.

If police arrest or detain you, ask them to notify the Australian High Commission straight away.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and can lead to life in jail. Carrying even small amounts of an illegal drug can result in jail time.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Buying property

Buying property in the north of Cyprus can be risky. Legal titles to land can be uncertain.

When the conflict of 1974 displaced people in the north, many had claims of ownership to property. 

It's a crime to buy, sell or rent property without the consent of the owner.

Get legal advice before signing a property contract.

It's also a crime to intend to purchase disputed property. Officials may consider your possession of property pamphlets from the north as evidence of intent to purchase.

If you cross the Green Line with documents about buying property in northern Cyprus, you could face criminal proceedings.

Other laws

It's illegal in both parts of Cyprus to:

• take photos of military camps, facilities, personnel or equipment, even by accident

• take photos in the UN buffer zone

• take photos in any military designated area

• enter a restricted military zone

• export cultural or archaeological artefacts without official authorisation

Marriage laws

If you're planning to get married in Cyprus, check the legal requirements before you travel.

More information:

• High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Canberra

• Australian High Commission in Cyprus

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Under local laws, you could be a national of Cyprus if you have a family connection to Cyprus.

National service

Dual Australian-Cypriot nationals may have to do national service. This may apply if you're:

• male

• aged 15 to 50 years

• staying  longer than 3 months

Female dual nationals may have civil defence obligations. This may apply if you're:

• female

• aged 18 to 50 years

• a permanent resident of Cyprus

If you're a male dual national aged 16 to 26 years, you need an exit permit to leave Cyprus. You can get a permit from either the:

• High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia

• Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus

If you are or could be a national of Cyprus, check about national service before you travel. Ask the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

National service in the north

If you're in northern Cyprus you might have to do military service if you:

• have a Turkish-Cypriot background

• are male

• are older than 18 years

• stay longer than 3 months in northern Cyprus

Check with the relevant authorities (Cypriot Greek) before you travel.

Length of national service

Officials may reduce the length of your national service if you show evidence of long-term residency in Australia.

Get a copy of your movements in and out of Australia as evidence of residency. Make a 'Request for International Movement Records' to the Department of Home Affairs.

You'll need this documentation if you:

• are or could be a dual national

• haven't completed national service

• intend to stay longer than 3 months

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa conditions

You don't need a tourist visa to visit Cyprus for stays of up to 90 days in a 6-month period.

If you plan to stay longer, you need to apply for a visa. An application can be made in-country.

If you overstay your visa, officials may charge you with breaching immigration rules.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

More information:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Cyprus)

• Ministry of Interior (Cyprus)

There are checkpoints between the south and north of Cyprus.

Entry to Cyprus

Immigration officials might refuse entry to Cyprus if they have concerns about previous or planned travel to the north. This includes accommodation in the north or planned activities, such as commercial, academic or employment activities.

Entry to Cyprus is only legal through:

• the airports of Larnaca and Paphos

• the seaports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos

It's illegal to enter or exit the Republic of Cyprus via any air or sea port in northern Cyprus. 

Illegal entry ports include:

• Tymbou ('Ercan') and Lefkoniko ('Gecitkale') airports

• the seaports of Kyrenia (Girne) and Famagusta (Gazi Magusa)

Only enter the UN Buffer Zone at formal crossing points. Police and UN forces strictly enforce this.

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency of the Republic of Cyprus is the Euro.

The principal currency in the north is the Turkish Lira, although you can use euros in many businesses.

The Republic of Cyprus, in the south, doesn't accept the Turkish Lira.

Declare amounts over 10,000 euros or equivalent if you're travelling between Cyprus and any non-European Union (EU) country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You don't need to declare it if you're travelling to or from another EU country.

Officials will fine you if you don't declare it or declare the wrong amount when entering or leaving Cyprus.

ATMs are widely available in tourist locations. You can use major credit cards in most places.

Travel in the north

Turkish-Cypriot authorities in the north issue residence permits, identity cards and other documents. Be aware that the Republic of Cyprus and other countries may not recognise these documents.

Use your Australian passport for all travel into or out of Cyprus and Turkey.

Turkey does not accept 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' ID cards as entry or travel documents.

Travelling to or from the north

If you arrive through legal ports of entry in the south, you can cross into the north.

You can cross at checkpoints at:

• Ledra Street or the Ledra Palace (pedestrians only)

• Ayios Dhometios in Nicosia

• Astromeritis, Limnitis, Pergamos and Strovilia outside Nicosia

• Derynia (Famagusta) and Lefka (Apliki)

Checkpoints operate 24 hours a day, but operating times can change at short or no notice.

You'll need to show your passport to officials when entering and leaving the north. Turkish-Cypriot authorities may stamp your passport. Evidence of travel to and from the north may lead to questions by Republic of Cyprus authorities and other countries.

You can take private vehicles or hire cars through checkpoints from the south to the north. However, you can't take hire cars from the north to the south. No cars can cross at Ledra Street and Ledra Palace.

Check your car insurance to ensure you have coverage for the area you want to drive through. Car hire companies offer insurance. Be aware that their insurance may only cover you in the north or the south.

If you plan to travel to other regional destinations, read the travel advice of these countries. Some countries may refuse you entry if your passport or luggage contains evidence of travel to the non-government controlled north.

Staying in the north

Cypriot authorities have deemed some accommodation in the north illegal. The Republic of Cyprus has warned visitors about staying in this accommodation.

Check Cypriot Government websites for details. See 'Visas' above.

Carrying goods between the north and south

You may need to present your goods for inspection when you cross between the north and south.

Strict controls apply to items bought in the north, including:

• alcohol

• cigarettes

• imitation or pirated brand-name products

Republic of Cyprus police or customs authorities may confiscate these items. They may also fine you.

Customs authorities in northern Cyprus enforce a limit on the purchase of goods in the south.

Both sides enforce quarantine rules on food.

More information:

• Cyprus Ministry of Finance

Driving permit

You can only use your Australian driver's licence for 6 months from your date of arrival. 

You'll need to obtain a local driving licence to continue to drive after 6 months. To get a local licence, refer to the Road Transport Department.

The minimum age for driving is 18 years.

Road travel

Road accidents are a major risk.

Most roads are of a good standard but some secondary and mountain roads are poorly maintained.

Driving practices can be poor. Drivers often:

• ignore international driving norms

• disobey traffic signals

• fail to use indicators

• ignore speed limits

Be careful crossing roads, as traffic may not follow signals.

Be aware of quad bikes on roads. 

The UN and military restricts access to roads in the UN Buffer Zone. Parts of this zone have landmines.

If you plan to drive:

• only hire cars from reputable companies

• make sure you've got the right licence for the vehicle you plan to drive

• check your insurance covers you in the north and the south

More information:

• Driving or riding

• Travel insurance

Motorcycles

Check with your insurer if your policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike, dune buggy or similar vehicle.

A lot of serious injuries and deaths from quad bike accidents happen each year, particularly in tourist areas. Follow directions on where you can and can't ride quad bikes or similar vehicles.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only authorised taxi and limousine services. Arrange them through your hotel if possible.

Unofficial taxis may overcharge.

Public transport

Bus services operate throughout Cyprus.

Theft can occur on public transport. Take care of your belongings.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

Before taking a ferry or other boat, make sure it has the right safety gear. A number of international cruise lines stop over in Cyprus.

More information:

• Going on a cruise

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Cyprus' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112.

Police

Call 199.

All emergencies in northern Cyprus

Call 155.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency operators may not speak English.

Tourism

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Nicosia.

Australian High Commission, Nicosia

7th Floor, Block A

Alpha Business Centre

27 Pindarou Street

1060 Nicosia, Cyprus

Phone: (+357) 2229 7555

Fax: (+357) 2276 6486

Email: nicosia.ahc@dfat.gov.au

Website: cyprus.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Cyprus

Twitter: @AusHCCyprus

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Nicosia.

Australian High Commission, Nicosia

7th Floor, Block A

Alpha Business Centre

27 Pindarou Street

1060 Nicosia, Cyprus

Phone: (+357) 2229 7555

Fax: (+357) 2276 6486

Email: nicosia.ahc@dfat.gov.au

Website: cyprus.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Cyprus

Twitter: @AusHCCyprus

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia